Adda V. Porter

Adda V. (Bogun) Porter, 81, of Mentor went to be with the Lord on September 23, 2022.

Adda was born in Owosso, MI, September 26, 1940 to William and Mary Bogun. She was a 1958 graduate of Willoughby North High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University and a Masters degree from Cleveland State University.

She was dedicated to her job as an educator, seeing learning as a way to lift oneself in the world both physically and metaphorically. She was a teacher at Eastlake Middle School for over 25 years, assistant principal at Chardon High School for 4 years, and principal at Munson Elementary School for 8 years. She was named National Distinguished Principal for Ohio in 2003, including a trip to D.C. to receive the award from the President George W. Bush.

During her summers and after retirement, she used her experience to teach other educators at the Communicate Institute. She was also a Board Member at Mentor Schools Foundation until 2017 (Mentor Schools Foundation will be dedicating the Storywalk at Fairfax to Adda).

Adda was continually learning and contributing during her life, most recently on various church committees and environmental and social justice classes through her church. She was an avid collector of bells and a lover of history, the performing arts, art, gardening, travel, and Neil Diamond. Her love of books kept her very busy throughout her whole life. When she wasn’t reading she could always be found enjoying music or PBS.

Although Adda loved learning, her first love was always her family. Her first thought was always her family and how she could take care of them. Adda’s memory will live on by her beloved husband of 60 years, Dale A. Porter; children, Heidi (Chris Moyer), Holly (Brian Morgan), and Matthew (Mary) Porter. Three of Adda’s most treasured gifts were her grandchildren Zachary (24), Noah (22), and Chloe (18). Adda loved watching the grandkids grow and continued educating them with books, arts, motivational cards, and conversation. Her brother David Bogun and his family will dearly miss her.

Adda loved seeing the world with her husband Dale. They enjoyed many vacations exploring the national parks and other countries. They also spent time on volunteer missions in the United States, most recently in New Orleans. Adda was an advocate for many missionary trips and any cause that could better the lives of those less fortunate in the United States and worldwide. Adda’s desire to help others will live on in the many causes that she supported.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Adda donations can be made to: The Mentor Schools Foundation, 6451 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio 44060.

Adda’s Celebration of Life will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Mentor United Methodist Church, 8600 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060.